Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park

If you are planning a vacation in Northern Virginia, you might be wondering what to do in Ashburn. A vacation doesn't need to break the bank, and Ashburn is home to some inexpensive attractions. The city is a census-designated place in Loudoun County, Virginia. It is considered the Data Center Capital of the World and is the site of 70 percent of the world's internet traffic and stored data.

Whether you're looking for a scenic hike or a jog, the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail offers miles of walking and biking trails. With over 450 species of wildflowers and 100 species of birds, the park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. Walking, bicycling, and horseback riding are also popular activities.

Trailside Park offers open space and a playground for children. It is adjacent to the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park Trail, which offers paved trails through lush wooded areas. Hikers in Ashburn and nearby Loudoun County can explore the park's many trails. Several parks offer guided hikes. Whether you enjoy mountain biking, running, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Ashburn is an ideal destination for outdoor adventure.

The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of the region while taking a scenic ride along the rail corridor. The park was declared an eligible site for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 and is a significant part of the Ashburn, VA area. It is located along a rail corridor and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The W&OD's trackage was in poor condition after 1951, and diesel engines were only able to safely travel west of Trap Rock siding and east of Goose Creek. In 1961, the state made a tentative offer to buy the entire W&OD, but the state legislators rejected the proposal because it was too expensive. The W&OD finally accepted the state's offer of $3.5 million in 1965.

The park has a 1.3-mile trail, which traces the line of the former W&OD Railroad. The trail stretches along a former spur line of the railroad. It connects the Ashburn to Arlington County. Afterwards, the trail intersects with Custis Memorial Parkway and connects with the Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along Interstate 66. From there, visitors can access the National Capital or the Potomac Yard.

A trail through the park will take you along the historic W&OD Railroad, which was constructed in 1858. It was intended to serve both freight and passenger travel. However, coal replaced wood as the primary urban fuel, and the railroad never made it west of the Blue Ridge. This led to a slow decline for the W&OD, which eventually ceased passenger service in 1968. The trail was then purchased by the Northern Virginia Parks Association, which now maintains it with the help of the Friends of the W&OD.

The trail winds through a park near the Northern Virginia Capital. The trail is wide enough for people to walk, jog, or cycle, while remaining flat for cross-country skiing. The trail crosses Broad Run, Sugarland Run, and Beaverdam Run. The trail also passes over a portion of Wiehle Avenue in Reston. After the park, the trail passes through another section of the National Capital.

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